Can a Hitch Adapter be Used in Class II Receiver on 2007 Ford Edge to Carry 5 Bikes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The receiver adapter you mention, part # 80303 can be used so that your bike rack will work with the Class II hitch on your Edge, but you will not be able to carry all 5 bikes on it.

Using an adapter like the 80303 will lower the tongue weight capacity (maximum amount of weight that can be safely suspended from the hitch) by 50 percent, from 300 lbs to 150 lbs. This would mean that the rack plus the weight of all the bikes stored on it cannot weigh more than 150 lbs. Since the average bike weighs between 30-35 lbs, and a 5-bike rack weighs about 40 lbs, I can see no way that the rack would be able to carry all 5 bikes in a safe manner. Overloading the receiver could damage the receiver or its attachment points to the vehicle, resulting in loss of the rack and the bikes.

A bike rack that is designed for use with a Class II receiver like the Thule Apex XT, part # TH9026XT would be a good choice. This rack can safely accommodate all 5 bikes and will be able to utilize the full tongue weight capacity of the hitch because an adapter is not being used. You will want to take precautions to prevent the bike frames from being scratched.

For womens bikes or bikes with sharply angled top tubes or step-through frames, using a frame adapter like part # Y02531 is recommended. The adapter spans the distance between the seat post and the handle bar gooseneck, and provides a level attachment point to the bike rack so the bike is not carried at an angle.

For installation instructions, and to view a product demonstration video featuring the DoubleDown, click on the provided links.

expert reply by: Mike L

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